Devils Lake Waterfowl Season Looking Up

by Devils Lake CVB

All signs are pointing to one of the best Devils Lake waterfowl seasons in many years. This area of central North Dakota is blessed with lots of water, and this year, despite droughts further to the west, had abundant moisture.

The owner of the oldest established waterfowl guide service in North Dakota, Kyle Blanchfield, said, "The local duck hatch was above normal. The Manitoba ducks are doing great (most of our migratory birds come from there), and the snow goose hatch was one of the top five ever. It all adds up to a real bright spot for hunters."

With good water, the local ducks and local giant Canada goose populations are at solid numbers. When Blanchfield added the snows and Canadian ducks to the mix, he said, "I'm really excited about the season." North Dakota waterfowl seasons start Sept. 30 and run into December.

Blanchfield was in northern Saskatchewan recently and was amazed at the snow geese numbers up there. "The past couple of years produced a minimal snow goose hatch. A great hatch means several things," he said. When the ratio is four juvenile birds to two adults, hunting is much better. He expects that ratio this season. "The juveniles are easier to decoy, and they actually bring the adults into decoy sets with them," he explained. Mid-October to mid-November marks the snow goose migration.

Water, birds and habitat are a blessing for Devils Lake hunters. So, too, are the accommodations and guide services. Blanchfield at Woodland Resort runs six hunting groups daily, and is 90 percent full for the entire season. The Devils Lake Chamber has contact details for other guide services.

For more information about Devils Lake motels and resorts, fishing and waterfowl cleaning stations, water levels, ramps, public fishing piers, fishing reports for walleye, pike, perch and white bass, community activities, guides, dining, casino and much more, go to devilslakend.com or call the tourism office at 701-662-4903.

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